Loyal Paws on The Leelanau Peninsula of Michigan
- Luie Boone
- Jun 22
- 5 min read
This vacation destination is a part of our second series of blog posts titled K9 Kind.
The Leelanau Peninsula of Michigan is a dream for dogs and their humans. There is fresh lake air, walkable villages, and plenty of places where pups are more than welcome. From charming harbors to forest trails, every town offers its own unique canine-friendly charm.
Start in Leland, which is one of the last working fishing districts located on the Great Lakes. You can take relaxed strolls along the wooden docks of the historic fishtown, enjoying the gorgeous sights of Lake Michigan. Your pup will love the smells, the breeze, and the chance to cool their paws.
In Suttons Bay, there's an abundance of downtown adventures to enjoy with your dog. It'll be a breeze of a time, all in thanks to the water bowls generously put outside stores and the pooch-friendly patios waiting for you. You can take a leisurely walk along the bay, unwind beneath one of the park’s shady trees, or enjoy a meal at a restaurant with your furry friend.
Further north, Northport offers tons of space to roam. With wide-open parks, scenic overlooks, and peaceful streets, it’s a great fit for dogs who love slower, quieter adventures and plenty of room to sniff and stretch out.
Glen Arbor is ideal for active pups. With access to a national lakeshore park, river paddling, and dog-friendly beaches, your buddy will stay happily tired. After outdoor adventures, you can unwind together at one of the many pooch-friendly patios.
The village of Empire offers scenic bluff hikes and tranquil beach escapes. A short uphill trail rewards you with breathtaking views and a breezy resting spot for your pup. Down in town, the beach provides a calm, peaceful place to unwind together.
In Lake Leelanau, your doggo can splash in the water while you take in the calm, scenic surroundings. Wander along the shoreline, relax in the shade, or explore the quiet charm of the village. It’s the perfect setting for a peaceful, laid-back day.
And, finally, Omena is the perfect hidden gem for pups who love peace and quiet. With wildflower fields, bay views, and spacious grassy spots, there's no shortage of spots to relax. Luie Boone suggests packing a picnic basket and having lunch with your furry friend. Just don't forget your pup's snacks or your pup will be putting on his best begging face... and maybe stealing yours!
The Leelanau Peninsula is more than just scenic. It's Luie Boone approved!
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in The Leelanau Peninsula of Michigan. Check it out below!
Rental Name: East Beach Retreat
This rental has 3 bedrooms with 5 beds and 2 baths.
Photos courtesy of Visit Up North Vacation Rentals
It features the following amenities:
Waterfront on the West Grand Traverse Bay
Wooded environment
Private sandy beach (Luie Boone can't wait to dig a moat for his human's sandcastles... and then destroy it by running right through it on his way to the water!)
Charcoal grill on deck
Outdoor dining table & chairs
Fire pit with 6-7 chairs (Luie Boone wonders if he can plop his toosh into one of those chairs, or if he'll be curling up by the feet of one of his human's instead.)
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
Just thinking about East Beach Retreat makes my tail go wild! There, you wake up to the smell of trees and sand, as well as the sound of waves lapping the shore and squirrels rustling in the woods. That sounds like total dog heaven to me! My humans say there's a cozy house tucked in the woods on the Leelanau Peninsula of Michigan. It's supposed to be super quiet. If I was there, I'd be howling away! I hear there's a big sandy beach for zoomies and shallow water perfect for splashing. The house has three bedrooms, a wood-burning fireplace, and no internet. Boo hoo for my humans, but who cares?! That means more playtime with me! Outside, there’s a big deck, a grill, a fire pit, and even a mud room just for messy pups. Don't look at me. I'm clean as can be. Best part? It’s private. No leashes, no neighbor dogs, just me, my pack, and a beach to call our own. I can already feel the sun on my fur and the breeze in my ears.
Paws Venture Here
Empire Bluff Trailhead
This is a hilly 1.5-mile round-trip trail. It allows pups to walk alongside their owners. The trail leads to a high bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. For your and your pups safety, as well as to protect the environment, Luie Boone passses along the following message: Please do not descend the bluff.
Christmas Cove Beach
Christmas Cove Beach is 200 feet of beach frontage along the shore of Lake Michigan. Your doggo is welcome on the pebbles or to enjoy a paddle in the shallow waters. Luie Boone wants to know where the Christmas tree and all of his presents are? It is Christmas Cove Beach, isn't it?
Sleeping Bear Dunes
This national lakeshore has miles of sand beach and bluffs that tower 450 feet above Lake Michigan. It also has 70 breeding pairs of piping plovers, which is an endangered bird. One-third of them nest at the Sleeping Bear Dunes! Your furry friend is permitted in most of the park, but be sure to watch for the "no pet" signs.
Glen Haven Beach
This is a pebbly popular beach, which offers a good site for walking, wading, or swimming with your pooch.
Houdek Dunes Natural Area
This 330 acre natural area includes a mile of frontage along Houdek Creek. On the trail system, you can find sandy trails, stairs, and slopes. Luie Boone says you must take your pup to the beautiful octagon-shaped deck and sitting area that overlooks Houdek Creek.
Leelanau State Park
This state park has more than 1,550 acres, which are just waiting for visitors and their canine companions to explore.
Lighthouse West Natural Area
This natural area is 42 acres and 642 feet of undeveloped shoreline along Lake Michigan. Luie Boone wonders where the lighthouse is!
At Black Star Farms, you and Fido have the choice between two separate pet-friendly sections to enjoy your rural dining experience. There's also a walking trail on the property that you can enjoy together.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
The Leelanau Peninsula of Michigan
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
My humans say we’re going to the Leelanau Peninsula. I’m in! Word at the dog park is, there’s a giant lake with waves to chase and air so fresh that it makes your nose do backflips. But the real talk? The trails. Over 100 miles of dense forest ones. Dogs talk about them. They say the trails are twisty, wild, packed with trees, and have zero clear paths. It’s like a stick jungle with no exits. Instead, there's squirrels and creepy noises that might be chipmunks… raccoons… or Bigfoot! I’m not saying I believe it, but I’m not not saying I believe it. Every rustle makes you jump. And every twig snap? Definitely Bigfoot! Still, I want to go. These forests trails are wild, weird, and totally worth it. Around every bend might be a sun patch, a chipmunk trail, or a hidden Lake Michigan view. Hey, maybe, I'll be the first dog to befriend Bigfoot. You never know!
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